Quinerly, Kalkbrenner Named Finalists for Naismith Defensive Player of the Year

West Virginia University senior guard JJ Quinerly has been named a finalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year, joining three other players from across the country. Quinerly, who averages 3.0 steals per game and has recorded 89 steals this season, is the first Mountaineer to achieve this recognition. Her defensive efforts have contributed to the Mountaineers leading the Big 12 in scoring defense and turnovers forced. Fans will play a role in determining the winner through a voting process starting March 25, which will account for 5% of the total vote. The award ceremony is scheduled for April 2 in Tampa during the women's basketball Final Four. Quinerly's performance has solidified her reputation as a standout player, previously earning Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year honors for two consecutive seasons.